FTC Files Complaint Against TikTok Concerning Children’s Privacy Violations
By Movieguide® Contributor
TikTok is facing increased pressure from the U.S. government concerning children’s privacy violations.
“The investigation uncovered reason to believe named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and that a proceeding is in the public interest, so the Commission has voted to refer a complaint to the Department of Justice,” the FTC announced of the complaint filed against TikTok and its parent company ByteDance.
They continued, “Although the Commission does not typically make public the fact that it has referred a complaint, we have determined that doing so here is in the public interest and that a proceeding is in the public interest.”
This filing is separate from the legislation passed earlier this year that would ban TikTok if they don’t divest from ByteDance, but many see it as increased pressure from the U.S. government.
A spokesperson from TikTok responded to the FTC’s decision, saying the company had “been working with the FTC for more than a year to address its concerns.”
“We’re disappointed the agency is pursuing litigation instead of continuing to work with us on a reasonable solution,” they continued.
TikTok is also working to overturn the proposed ban. They sued the U.S. government earlier this year, arguing that the legislation that requires them to split from ByteDance violates the First Amendment.
“For the first time in history, Congress has enacted a law that subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban, and bars every American from participating in a unique online community with more than 1 billion people worldwide,” the suit reads.
Movieguide® previously reported on the issue:
TikTok is doing all it can to avoid being banned on Jan. 19, 2025.
Earlier this year, President Biden signed the Protecting Americans’ Data From Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 into law.
However, to fight the potential ban, eight TikTok creators announced that they are suing, “arguing that the measure would strip them of their livelihoods and creative outlets,” per The Verge.
Now, “The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ordered the case set for oral arguments in September after TikTok, ByteDance and a group of TikTok content creators joined with the Justice Department earlier this month in asking the court for a quick schedule,” the New York Post reported.
TikTok and ByteDance, the app’s parent company, have until June 20 to file their legal briefs.
The Justice Department must file theirs by July 26. Both company’s replies are due by Aug. 15.
Per Reuters, “TikTok said that with a fast-track schedule it believes the legal challenge can be resolved without it needing to request emergency preliminary injunctive relief. TikTok and the Justice Department have sought a ruling by Dec. 6 in order to seek review from the Supreme Court if needed.”
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